Show your support on EDC Virtual National Lobby Day

Wednesday, Oct. 28 is Eating Disorder Coalition (EDC) Fall Lobby Day. EDC Advocates will meet at the U.S. Capitol to inform elected officials about their legislative goals.

Their main focus for the day will be lobbying for the Anna Westin Act of 2015. If enacted, this act would provide grant programs used to train educators, doctors and mental health workers on how to identify and intervene with an eating disorder when detected in their patients.

It would also decrease the out-of-pocket treatment costs for those affected by the disorders by requiring that insurance plans cover the costs of residential treatment. Anna Westin was diagnosed with anorexia at the age of 16. Even though her health deteriorated quickly while she battled her disorder, she had to wait until her insurance company certified her treatment–ultimately delaying and limiting the amount of treatment she received. The act named in Westin's honor would prevent the avoidable death's of those waiting to seek treatment for their eating disorders.

If you're miles away from Washington, D.C. but still want to take part in EDC Fall Lobby Day, there's still an option for you to make a difference. Advocates all over the country will be calling their members of Congress from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28 asking them to sign onto the Anna Westin Act of 2015. You can join them by following three simple steps.

First, if you're unaware of who your representative and senators are, visit www.house.gov (for your representative) and www.senate.gov (for your senators).

Next, once you've identified your elected officials, locate their contact information on their webpages. Use the phone number listed in their contact information or their Washington, D.C. office phone number.

Once you've placed your call you will speak with a staff member. Tell them that you'd like to speak with the person in their office who handles eating disorder-related issues. You will most likely have to leave a message on someone's voicemail. Not sure what to say in your message? Introduce yourself and inform them about EDC Fall Lobby Day, the Anna Westin Act and how if enacted this act would change the lives of many battling an eating disorder and their families. If you wish, you can share your story about how you've been affected by an eating disorder, and can leave your contact information if you would like to hear back from them.

For more information on what you can do to take part in EDC Fall Lobby Day, send your questions via email at mailto:km@eatingdisorderscoalition.org.